Asthma A brief look at the causes and effects of the common disease By: Jennifer R. Brewster

What is asthma? Asthma is a common lung disease that causes airways to be particularly sensitive. Attacks occur because airways that lead to the lungs respond easily to contact with a trigger.

Triggers  Allergies to food  Cold and dry air  Dust  Exercise  Hormonal changes  Pollution  Mold  Perfumes  Pollen  Stress  Viral Infections Triggers are elements that promote inflammatory response.

What goes on in the body?

Normal Bronchial Tube

THE ASTHMA ATTACK

Asthmatic Bronchial Tube

What are the signs & symptoms of asthma?  Chest tightness  Coughing  Production of excess mucus  Shortness of breath  wheezing Some asthma suffers have all of these symptoms, while others only suffer from one or few. Many say that symptoms worsen during the night or early morning.

Treatments Successful treatment involves avoiding triggers and taking medication.  Allergy shots  Inhalers  Nebulizers  Oral corticosteroids

People At Risk Asthma is more prevalent in those who:  were underweight at birth  were given formula as an infant  live in polluted areas  smoke or are frequently around other smokers  are obese

Famous Faces of Asthma

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Works Cited  opedia/757.html opedia/757.html   829&sid=3#s &sid=3#s3  